Winter’s Trail of the Season

The Arena !!

Who hasn’t gotten too busy in the last few months and put off riding your horse because it takes too long?  We are all guilty of that from time to time.  Truth is, your horse doesn’t need miles and miles of trail every time you come out to see him or her… they are just as happy with the visit and a little together-time in the arena!

Everyone knows that a little ground work goes a long way under saddle.  Similarly, some short, yet focused, time working on riding technique can also go a long way in the communication between horse and rider.

Don’t discount time spent in the arena… celebrate it!  And when you think you don’t have enough time for a ride, remember that a brush down/tack up/arena session can be done in 30 minutes.

Training for the Trail:  our assignment from Linda

Your challenge this month is communication through body language that does not include your hands or legs.

Can you stop your horse by changing your sitting position?  Can you encourage a walk or trot by changing your weight in the saddle?  Can you turn right or left without the aid of the reins or your legs?  …Is this Difficult? Maybe. Is it Possible? Absolutely! All it takes is some focused time on riding technique and skill that is best practiced in the arena, then mastered on the trail.    Join us over the holidays in the arena and make it your goal to master these skills by the new year.

Good luck!

November’s Health Tip…

Are you ready for winter?

Now is the time to be considering a new blanket for your horse friend. How many years have you gotten out of the last one? Is it time for a new look? As the weather turns cold, your horse is developing a shaggy thick coat for winter, but you should be thinking ahead for those bitterly cold days when his coat isn’t going to be enough.  Investing now (during holiday sales!) is a great time to get a new mid-weight (best for our climate), waterproof, breathable turnout blanket (w/ shoulder darts) for use in late December/January when the daytime highs don’t reach freezing. When it arrives, bring it to the barn and be sure that Linda (or Mike) know where to find it, and be sure to print your horses name BOLDLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY on it, so it can be identified  and dressed on the right horse when the freeze begins.

Also, clean up your area by removing summer gear that you don’t need – including fly masks and lightweight sheets.  Run those thru the wash and pack away for next summer.

 

Fly Predator Experiment Comes to a Close

Fly Predator Results!

Well, it was an interesting experiment.  From the feedback that we’ve received verbally and from the survey, the flies were still around (especially at the end) but overall better than in years past.  Almost everyone asked is eager to try again next summer, with some modifications to the shipment schedule, which could help us stay more on top of the fly hatches in the late summer.  The plan will be to ask for shipments more frequently from late July to September, instead of the recommended 4 week gap.  This will likely have a positive impact on keeping the fly hatching to a minimum, and save us from the late summer pests.

Here are the responses from the survey:

1. Are you participating in the fly predator experiment?

100% said YES

2. Is your horse located at the Stallion Station or other location?

60% STALLION STATION

40% OTHER

3. If “Stallion Station”, skip to next question. If “other location”… have you been bothered by flies with your horse on your property?

100% said NO, FLIES ARE MUCH BETTER

4. How many days have you been at the Stallion Station in the last 10 days?

29% said 1-2 days

14% said 3-4 days

57% said 5+ days

5. Have you been bothered by flies during your visit?

71% said YES

29% said NO

6. In your opinion, how is the fly situation today compared to summers past?

37.5% said STILL HAVE A FEW FLIES, BUT TOLERABLE

62.5% said MORE FLIES THAN WOULD LIKE, BUT BETTER

7. Should we do the fly predator experiment again next summer?

100% said YES

COMMENTS:

• I love Fly Predators. Have been using them for years. This year neighbors livestock increased our flies but stilldidn’t have many.
  
• Much better that previous years – Flys still on horses, but not as crazy!
  
• 3 week rotation in July/August

October’s Trail of the Month

Trail of the Month:

Spooner to Marlette Lake

We talked about this last month… Linda’s favorite fall ride.  It is absolutely beautiful this time of year – either on horseback, bike or on foot.  Getting to the mountains to see the changing color is what this season is all about!

To get to Marlette Lake: Use the trailhead at Spooner Summit on Hwy 50, limited trailer parking just off the highway just west of the highway maintenance building ($2 parking fee). Another parking option (limited) is at Spooner Lake State Park (parking fee) on Hwy 28.

Training for the Trail:  our assignment from Linda

“Be ONE with your horse” Body language is everything with your horse. Your horse feels each movement you make on his back, you should be equally aware of his movements too.  If you stiffen your back, what does he do?  When you relax and look over your shoulder, which way does he turn?  It’s all about blending your body movements with his to be in concert together and acting as one.  Relax, listen, feel… and enjoy!